Best Human and Social Service Grants in New York

The Altman Foundation Grant invites organizations with 501(c)(3) status in New York City to submit Letters of Inquiry for health-related projects. This funding focuses on improving access to quality healthcare for underserved populations, enhancing the capacity of local service providers, and addressing structural barriers to health equity. New grants are currently limited, and only health-related LOIs will be accepted. Eligible applicants should review specific interests outlined by the Foundation before applying.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Healthy Lives Grant Program by The New York Community Trust aims to enhance health services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in New York City. It focuses on creating an equitable healthcare system by supporting projects that improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and empower individuals through skill development. The program prioritizes innovative solutions that foster independence and community engagement, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The New York State Tribute Foundation Grants support initiatives that enhance understanding of death, dying, and bereavement. By funding educational programs, research, and scholarships, the Foundation aims to improve public awareness and professional practices in these critical areas. Grants range from $500 to $15,000, with an emphasis on projects that align with the Foundation's core values. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations in New York State and individuals pursuing careers in funeral services.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Promising Futures Grants focus on advancing human justice by empowering young people through job training and educational support. The initiative aims to create a fairer civil and criminal justice system by enhancing advocacy, legal representation, and service delivery for underserved populations in New York. By funding innovative approaches and collaborative efforts, these grants seek to address critical issues such as homelessness and legal access, ensuring vulnerable communities receive the assistance they need to thrive.

The Sills Family Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on early childhood education, environmental justice, arts and culture, and support for families in crisis. They prioritize programs benefiting communities affected by the criminal justice system, as well as refugees and asylees. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on systemic change and community-based solutions. The foundation operates primarily in metro New York City and California, accepting applications for one-year grants only.

The Westchester Community Foundation Grant Program offers competitive grants to public charities and groups providing programs in Westchester County. The foundation prioritizes initiatives in human justice, human services, workforce development, youth development, arts, social justice, and technical assistance. This support aims to enhance the lives of residents through diverse projects that address civil rights, economic stability, youth empowerment, and cultural access. Funding fosters community engagement and innovative solutions to local challenges.

The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation, established in 2015 in Rye Brook, New York, is committed to enhancing the human condition through grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. Focusing primarily on the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut area, it supports initiatives in education, healthcare, food security, and housing. The foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating fiscal responsibility and innovative programs with significant impact potential, ensuring sustainable support for vulnerable populations, especially children and families in need.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Lily Auchincloss Foundation, established in 1997, aims to enhance the quality of life in New York City through grants focused on human services, arts, and environmental initiatives. The foundation supports small to mid-sized organizations across the five boroughs, providing both general operating and program-specific funding. Its Human Services cycle prioritizes organizations dedicated to social change and education, ensuring a positive impact on all residents' lives.

The Seeds of Sustainability Capacity Building Grant Program, offered by the Western New York Foundation, aims to empower nonprofit organizations with the resources needed to enhance their operational capacity. This program supports initiatives that drive transformative change within local food systems, focusing on BIPOC communities and those disproportionately affected by poverty. By fostering collaboration and providing tailored resources, the foundation seeks to build a thriving and equitable food system in Western New York.

The John Ben Snow Foundation provides funding primarily for tax-exempt organizations in Central New York, focusing on education, arts, community initiatives, and youth programs. Established in 1948, the foundation prioritizes proposals that enhance educational opportunities and reduce barriers for under-resourced individuals. Additionally, it considers projects in environmental and historic preservation, though these areas receive limited funding. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Training Center of Expertise: Promoting Health Equity to Improve Community Health Outcomes

The purpose of this Request for Applications is to support a statewide Training Center of Expertise in Health Equity. The Training Center of Expertise will be responsible for implementing a range of innovative training interventions to build the capacity of health and human services providers, health care facilities, community-based organizations (CBOs), and communities to employ a health equity framework to improve health outcomes for New York State residents. These trainings are directed towards:

• Executive directors, administrators, and program managers;
• Physicians, other prescribers, and nurses; and
• Social workers, care coordinators, support services providers, community health workers/ educators, and peer workers.

The funded training center will be expected to tailor trainings to meet the unique needs of each designated training audience, including regional or population-specific needs.

Available Funding

A total of up to $200,000 annually in New York State and Health Research, Inc. (federal) funding is available to support a program funded through this Request for Applications. Applicants should be prepared to provide training and capacity building services across New York State and able to address the unique needs of health facilities and Community–Based Organizations, executive directors, administrators, program managers, physicians and other prescribers, nurses, social workers, care coordinators, support services providers, community health workers/educators, and peer workers. The intent of the Request for Applications (RFA) is to fund one (1) training center at the level of $200,000 annually for five (5) years.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Edward Sykes Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations focused on assisting disadvantaged children in New York City. Funded by JPMorgan, this private foundation emphasizes human and social services, ensuring that only nonprofit entities recognized under IRS section 501(c)(3) are eligible. Notably, individuals cannot apply for these grants. Organizations seeking support must align with the foundation's mission to create positive impacts for children in need.

The Youth Service Capacity-Building Grants program, initiated by the William T. Grant Foundation, aims to strengthen small nonprofit organizations in New York City that serve youth aged 5 to 25. The program addresses the pressing need for organizational capacity-building, targeting grants of $60,000 over three years. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to reducing inequality in youth outcomes, focusing on marginalized communities, including Mexican-descent and LGBTQ youth, to enhance their impact and sustainability.

The M.B. & Edna Zale Foundation Grant aims to support individuals and families in building meaningful lives, focusing on education, social services, and community welfare. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that promote self-sufficiency and measurable impacts within communities, particularly in Dallas, Palm Beach, and New York. It emphasizes collaboration and seeks proposals for specific projects rather than ongoing operational support, ensuring a focus on transformative initiatives.

The Trinity Grants: Racial Justice Initiative, spearheaded by Trinity Church Wall Street, aims to foster equitable justice systems through community-driven approaches. Focused on mental health, safety, and reducing incarceration, this initiative emphasizes support for marginalized groups, particularly people of color. It addresses the need for restorative justice, legislative reforms, and comprehensive support for those impacted by the criminal legal system, aiming to transform communities and enhance public safety.